How do you replace an outdoor security light BULB?

MikeDee · 1 Dec 2008

Hi all

My security light bulb popped this morning as i was leaving the house in the dark.
Can anyone tell me what the replacement bulb is and is it easy to fit? I've seen i have to shut down the electricity but should i know anything else? The light looks the typical bog-standard security light. Is it a case of removing the casing to get to the bulb? Ive got one spare hallogen in the house (20 or 40w i think), will this do?

Many thanks

Mike

2scoops0406 · 1 Dec 2008

It should just be a case of undoing the screw on the front of the casing, and replacing the halogen "bulb" 20 or 40w ? They are often 250 or even 500w I presume you mean one of these?

isolate the light before working on it, remember to not touch the glass of the halogen lamp. Finally be careful to ensure the rubber gasket on the lamp casing is seated correctly when you reassemble.

THRIPSTER · 1 Dec 2008

Mike,

Have a look at the fitting and see what screws need to be undone to remove halogen bulb. Replace halogen bulb with one of the same power rating (without touching glass envelope) and do the screws up again. Have a cup of tea to celebrate your monumental achievement.

Spark123 · 1 Dec 2008

If it is a cheapo halogen unit then they make the screw heads out of a metal as hard as plasticine so when you try to undo them the slots round off

MikeDee · 1 Dec 2008

thaks for all respones guys. I'll get the duff bulb off after work today and see what the replacement is, beofre replacing it tomorrow (not enough daylight hours up here in Scotland right now!)
(Thanks for the tip on not touching the Hallogen glass)

will report back

Mike

Kes · 1 Dec 2008

Replaceing these bulbs can be a devil, as you have to push the bulb back hard into one of the holders to release the other side. They can be very stiff with corrosion and gunge. I've broken a new bulb before trying to fit these things.

breezer · 1 Dec 2008

sometimes its easier to throw it away and buy a new one

Spark123 said:
If it is a cheapo halogen unit then they make the screw heads out of a metal as hard as plasticine so when you try to undo them the slots round off

thats so true

MikeDee · 1 Dec 2008

blast! the screw head is rusted and has buggered up when i went to unscrew it. now no head left on the screw! (and i took my time) Only the one small screw holding the unit together, i may try and get the screw out by other means. Failing that, i'll just buy a new light unit as they're cheap enough these days.

ban-all-sheds · 1 Dec 2008

Penetrating oil would have been your friend.

The way I look it is this - what's the cost of a new light less a replacement lamp, as it will come with one?

Say it's £X.

If someone asked you to f*rt around to try and get the light open, and offered you £X for your trouble, would you do it, or would you decline their generous offer?

MikeDee · 2 Dec 2008

ban-all-sheds said:
Penetrating oil would have been your friend.

The way I look it is this - what's the cost of a new light less a replacement lamp, as it will come with one?

Say it's £X.

If someone asked you to f*rt around to try and get the light open, and offered you £X for your trouble, would you do it, or would you decline their generous offer?

i see what your saying. Ive got the unit in the house now, i may try and get the old screw out and repalce the bulb, but im not gonna spend ages tryin to fix it.

Out of interest, generally how much are new hallogen bulbs for these security lights? Its the long thin type.

thanks

Kes · 2 Dec 2008

Anything from around £1.75 in Wilcos to three or four quid elsewhere.

stargazer · 2 Dec 2008

These people are reasonably priced and efficient. For example:-

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LXTH500.html

Other suppliers of halogen bulbs are available. The DIY sheds do them.

2scoops0406 · 2 Dec 2008

Or 5 for 3.68

i.e. 74 p each.

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How do you replace an outdoor security light BULB?

2scoops0406

breezer

2scoops0406

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